God-Touched

The Hunters and the Hunted, Part Two

In which the heated battle with the mysterious assassins continues

STSanura went on a ride with Jan to Sweeney Ridge, bringing with her the whole gang (sans poor Malif, who’s currently stuck riding bitch on a cyclops’s motorcycle). Just as everyone arrived and Sanura was accosted for not being completely straight with Jan (lol, pun), four of those mysterious dark and quiet assassins sprang out of hiding, surrounding the two ladies.

SanuraSanura looks around them and frowns “ah.. more lap dogs?” she questions, without much hope that it was so. Turning half away from Jan, to more so face those encroaching upon them.

ST(( Anyone popping Opening Gambit? ))

Sanura[not I]

ST(( Hans? ))

HarryDefinately yes

ST(( Opening Gambit round: Jan and Harry ))

STJan’s only response to Sanura’s question is to quickly open her jacket and quickly start assembling her rifle. Pieces start clicking into place, guided by quick hands that seem to have done this sort of thing a lot.

HarryHarry looks around, looking for an awareness of the situation.

HarryOkay, so, better question. These attackers, what are the details of their appearance?

ST(( Exact same as the assassin that killed Reggie at the very beginning: black skin-tight suit, white eyes, their movements don’t make a single sound… ))

ST(( Is that all? ))

HarryI do not remember that event or person…but ninjas running at one of Alej’s newbies is intolerable. I am going to race over at Epic speed to her (no expenditure yet).

ST(( Reggie was the driver who was killed. The assassin took over the limo and nearly drove it into the bay ))

Mike((Oh! Then I is popping OG!))

MikeMike grins at the sudden appearance of the shadowed assailants. “Hey Jan! Meet my gang!” His Guitar was already out as he said this, raising his Guitar pick high! “Groupies, to the fight!” He then starts playing one of the Solos from Through The Fire And Flames. The song seemed to echo through the ground as he played, coming from the depths of the earth instead of through an amplifier. As he did so, the earth shook and rattled, breathing life as twelve different zombies sprouted from the ground and surrounded the Assassins surrounding the girls. “Groupies, meet Assassins! They need death! Bring them to the Underworld!” After the zombies have been summoned, he starts playing Master of Puppets on his Guitar as the battle theme for his zombies!

MikeFor anyone in visual range, 3 of those zombies are wearing clothing that’s the same as the clothing on the guards at the compound holding the children previously.

MikeAs the song starts to life, the zombies do too. They begin attacking the Assassins surrounding the two ladies.

STIt’s like watching a silent film: the black-clad assassin draws the sword across his back and slices in one motion, but not the crunch of leaves nor the muffled ‘shick!’ of a sword leaving a sheath can be heard. The blade does not score Jan’s flesh, though.

STCrook circles around and slips into the shadowy woods, seeming to disappear entirely.

ST(( Victor, Assassin 1, Assassin 3 ))

ST(( What’s your DV, Mel? ))

Sanura[8]

STWhile another assassin follows the first’s example, targeting Sanura, kamas slip into the third assassin’s hands as he spins. The wickedly sharp curved blades come in low, seeking to disembowel. There is no whoosh as both attacks miss, the second narrowly.

SanuraSanura is thankful she didn’t inhale a moment sooner as the blades send a soundless breeze against her skin.

SanuraSanura takes the long bullwhip from her bag and letting it unfurl behind her as she draws her arm back and then snaps it forward aiming for fleshy parts of the whichever assasin is in goodly range for such a weapon, probably not the one attacking her.

STThe fourth assassin drops to a knee as kamas slide into its hands. One arm slices up, one down, aiming for Jan’s groin and hamstring in one motion. She effortlessly sidesteps the attack even as she continues putting her gun together.

Sanura[5]

ST(( Tie, so that makes it a miss ))

HarryThe beat begins, a counter to Mike’s aggressive metal, a taste of speed as the adrenaline begins to kick in. A moment to fight, against fast, nimble enemies. A potential actual -challenge-.

ST(( Angela, Zombies, Assassin 2 ))

MikeThe zombies, in synch, all attack their targets with the timing of the song putting them into motion! These weren’t meant to be fast attacks, they were meant to be hard-hitting and well-coordinated. ((Coordinated Assault. Mike will roll for Coordination, if you’ll allow it. Otherwise, all 12 will be rolling Heavy Unarmed. 7 dice. Previous setup applies. 3 to 1 Assassin. Rolling in order.))

ST(( Here’s the deal about coordinated assault: the Cha + Command roll determines how many you can coordinate, and then they have to go on your next turn. To keep it simple, I’m going to assume that you summoned them strategically around the assassins so it’ll just be a combined attack. ))

ST(( Roll away ))

Mike((That was my intention.))

Mike((In order, Assassin 1 2 3 and 4. Rolling 4 times.))

Mike((Here we go. 4 6 3 for Assassin 1.))

ST(( Hits, overflow 2, 4, 1 respectively ))

Mike((Assassin 2, 1 8 2.))

Mike((Assassin 3, 4 2 4.))

Mike((Assassin 4, 4 2 5.))

Mike((Am I to assume DV is 2 for these attacks, then?))

ST(( Yes ))

Mike((Understood. Assassin 1 is Overflow 2 4 1. This is for my own math.))

Mike((Assassin 2 is miss, 6, miss.))

Mike((Assassin 3 is 2 miss 2.))

Mike((Assassin 4 is 2 miss 3. The attack does 9 Bashing.))

Mike((Assassin 1 takes 8, 7 and 7 damage.))

ST(( Soaks 7. ))

ST(( So 1 damage ))

Mike((Assassin 2 takes 4. So no damage there.))

Mike((Assassin 3 is 5 and 2. No damage.))

Mike((And Assassin 4 is 10 and 4.))

Mike((Takes 3 after Soak.))

Mike((That’s the Zombies done.))

ST(( Okay. Angela and Assassin 2 ))

STAfter having dodged the attacks from the zombies on all sides, the assassin whirls around, bringing his sword to bear in a clean slice.

Mike((DV is 1.))

Mike((3 Overflow.))

ST(( 6 + 3 for Lethal ))

ST(( Soaked ))

Mike((Soak 6 easy.))

MikeZombie looks at the Assassin with a dull and dreary look like “What… that’s it?”

MikeOr it could just look like that all the time. Who knows?

STAngela runs forward, easily reaching the group without tapping into the golden light within. She leaps up over the zombies, wind gusting in a circle from beneath her bare tattooed feet, and comes down upon the sword-bearing assassin which just attacked Sanura, going with the double-fisted strike that worked so well on the cyclops. Though she lands a solid blow, the assassin seems not even so much as dazed.

MikeMike continues playing his song, even using it along with his hypnotic abilities to try and take one of those Assassins out of the picture! He focuses on Assassin 4, and barks in a loud voice “You have dishonored your brothers! You will commit Seppuku to restore honor!” ((Overt Order! BOOYAH!))

ST(( Disarming increases the attack’s difficulty by 2 ))

Harry10 hits.

HarryHarry swipes in an X motion with both hands and comes up with the ninja’s weapons. “And the defense has the ball! Synergy executes the strip and he’s about to make things hard for the away team!” “Doesn’t look good for the LA Ninjas, Bob, they’re looking at a LONG first quarter.”

HarryBetween the ticks.

ST(( Majin, your Overt Order is noted. The effects will take place on Assassin 4’s turn ))

HarryHaving both kamas now, Harry proceeds to make a split attack, putting one each in a pair of nearby ninjas.

ST(( 4-die penalty, -2 defense ))

Harry5 and 6

ST(( 1 and 2. Now for fluff galore ))

HarryHarry grins as he plants one kama in each foe. “Wow, Bob, he’s really eating up the offensive line…”

HarryAnd then, he tears inward towards the middle with superhuman strength. “Yeah Gene, I think those boys are done for the season!”

Harry(Damage bonus on a shadow ninja kama?)

ST(( +1L ))

Harry4 and 5 L

HarryHarry watches to see just how much pain these things can take…

ST(( 0 and 1 L ))

HarryThen begins to grin. “Oh yeah. This IS gonna be a long one.”

SanuraSanura grimaces “that’s -not- good!” hearing the grin in his voice though she doesn’t look his way.

HarryUntouchable Opponent, and done.

ST(( All right. NPC time ))

ST(( Jan, Crook, Assassins 1 and 3, and Victor ))

STHer gun completely assembled, Jan takes a breath and whirls, planting her gun on her shoulder and steadying it with her other hand in one smooth motion. She fires straight into the now weaponless assassin’s head. The gunshot’s crack echoes throughout the forest, made all the louder by the strange silence of the attackers. The assassin’s head is completely obliterated. The body falls to the ground and dissipates into a cloud of darkness as it hits, leaving behind a lone matte-black throwing star.

SanuraSanura grimaces at the blast as well as the mess it makes for a moment before vanishing. Shuddering slightly. “Good Godddess”

MikeMike grins widely. “I like this chick! Nice aim!”

STSuddenly a red-gold whirl of fur, claws, teeth, and yowling surrounds the head of Sanura’s other attacker. Though there’s no visible signs of damage, the assassin clearly can’t see beyond the furiously attacking blur.

STAs such, its sword misses Sanura once more.

SanuraSanura grimaces and though she’s thankful for the miss she’s not happy Crook is in danger.

STVictor, a feral grin on his face, leaps up, front flips, and aims his feet for the lone ignored assassin. It whirls to one side, however. Mulch and dirt sprays as Victor double-kicks the ground, leaving behind a mini-crater.

ST(( Okay. Sanura’s turn. ))

ST(( Assassin 1 has a sword and is being blinded by Crook, Assassin 2 has a sword and was missed by Victor, Assassin 4 has kamas and was given an order by Mike ))

Sanura[erf just.. to make it easier ] Sanura flicks the whip back again and tries to wrap it around the legs of the ninja that Crook is on, wanting to wrap the whip around the legs and tug to pull him of balance making for an easier target.

Sanura[6]

ST(( 5 Overflow ))

ST(( Not dealing damage, so now the assassin is prone ))

ST(( Assassin 4 now ))

Mike((SEPPUKU!))

STThough ninjas aren’t bound to bushido code like the samurai are, the assassin drops to its knees and draws its kamas across its belly. Though it seems to rip through the darkness, and dark cloudy wisps escape from its wound, the assassin does not dissipate like its fellow did.

ST(( Assassin 2 ))

SanuraSanura sort of grimaces at the historic inaccuracy of the ninja’s actions.

ST(( Hah! Her and me both ))

STHaving been missed by the new attacker, the second assassin turns, the momentum from its feet sliding up to its arms and into its swords horizontal slash in a expert and fluid motion. Victor thrusts his forearms to the side to meet the blade. The weapon clangs off his bracers. Though he clearly feels the shock of the blow, no sound is made.

ST(( Zombies, Assassin 1, Sanura ))

MikeNow that one of the Assassins was out of the picture, the zombies reshuffled themselves to meet the new demands. They now went for a 4 to 1 assault on the Assassins. However, they did something different this time. One Zombie of the group would grab ahold of the foe, while the other three pummeled him/her to death. ((Clinch + 3 attacks on each of the Assassins, save for the Prone Assassin which just gets 4 Heavy smacks. Which Assassin was Proned by Sanura?))

ST(( 1 ))

Mike((Then 1 gets 4 Heavy Attacks. Then 2 and 3 get a Clinch each and 3 Heavy Attacks. Rolling for Assassin 1 first. The Accuracy to these hits, the math doesn’t add up in the stats. So I want to verify. Unarmed Heavy says Accuracy 3. I can only assume this doesn’t include the Dexterity or the Brawl. Confirm or no?))

ST(( It does account for it. Dex is 1, Brawl is 3, -1 for Heavy ))

Mike((Assassin 1 is Prone, 4 Zombies ganking him, 1, 2, 2, 2.))

SanuraSanura, having grown tired of this distraction to her own plans, stands a little straighter and her chin lifts as her voice rings out with an almost regal authority. “Assailants, FREEZE!” Her will directed to the Assassins of course. As the words leave her lips her arm draws back and lashes forward. Bringing to mind the Pharaoh of ancient Egypt as she fully expects her order to be followed and is bent on harsh punishment to those that have angered her. Her arm and wrist move in a smooth action as she brings the whip and it flicks forward with the classic crack! as the tip breaks the sound barrier and perhaps the clothing and flesh of the downed ninja. [I’d like ta put that in for a stunt as she should be awesome there] [Hard Sell 1L and then the whip roll]

ST(( 1’s got a DV of 0 right now ))

ST(( Okay, vote for the stunt people ))

Mike((I vote yay.))

HarryYep

ST(( 3 stunt dice ))

Sanura[7]

ST(( Full overflow ))

Mike((And rolling Damage for the attacks now on 1. I’ll roll for Clinch on 2 and 3 after.))

Mike((Assassin 1 still has full Soak, methinks. The only damage rolls that matter are the 10 and 8. He takes a total of 4 after all soaks. Rolling for Clinch on 2 and 3.))

Mike((2 is Clinched. Rolling damage on I’m guessing 2 Overflow?))

ST(( Yes. ))

Mike((8 dice. Rolling.))

Sanura[4]

ST(( Soaked ))

Mike((He soaked, but he’s held for the other three to wail on him. And the other three on Assassin 3 still wail on him. Heavy Attacks all around.))

Mike((Assassin 2, 0 3 1. Assassin 3, 2 1 2.))

ST(( Assassin 2: miss, 3, 1; Assassin 3: 1, miss, 1 ))

Mike((9 dice plus Overflow. Rolling.))

Mike((Assassin 2 damage, 8 and 4. Soaks the 4, but takes 1 from the 8.))

MikeMike looks at Assassin 3 and smiles. “I want you to die by my hand personally! A rare treat!” He approaches the Assassin and heaves his large Axe down across the Assassin’s body. ((This one’s a Heavy Attack. Let me check the math.))

STThe axe cuts through the assassin’s body effortlessly. Its halves slide against each other briefly before they disappear in a cloud of black fog.

Mike“That’s right, run away!”

STAnother throwing star falls to the ground.

SanuraSanura quirks a brow “ah I don’t think he’s running”

MikeHe looks at the other two Assassins as it almost looks like the Earth beneath him is creeping up and forming a protective barrier around him! “Either of you two gonna keep fighting, or are you going to give up?” ((Body Armor knack.))

STAngela draws her foot up to stomp the prone assassin. Though her heel comes down hard, it doesn’t seem to affect the assassin at all. “Fuckin’ a! What are they wearing, dragon hide?”

Mike“If they are, I’m stealing it off the one left behind.”

STCrook zips away back into the shadows. The shuffling caused by his passing fades into silence as he disappears once more.

SanuraSanura is releaved to see him slip away and out of harms way. Even if he was a guardian it was rough watching what looked like a house cat leap into battle on ones behalf.

ST“Thanks for holding him, boys,” says Victor. He cocks his fist by his waist and plants a mean uppercut right into the clinched assassin’s gut. His fist goes clean through the assassin. It slumps and disperses into darkness, leaving behind a third throwing star.

SanuraSanura winces again. “Guh this is a gross business” she murmurs.

ST(( Perception + Awareness, everyone ))

Mike(( 3 total.))

Sanura[5]

ST(( 12 for Jan, 3 for Angela… rolling for Crook and Victor… ))

ST(( 4 for Crook, botch for Victor ))

ST(( Need a roll from Harry ))

ST(( Okay. It’s Harry’s tick and it’s about that time anyway. Paused until next week. ))